Page 167 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

“Not anymore.” His lips curved at the corners. “Care to guess why?”

Amelia shook her head.

He reached out and gently lifted her chin, as if handling a delicate masterpiece. “I thought that when Ana killed Galia, she had destroyed the last opportunity I had to feel anything. It turns out she didn’t. Perhaps some loves just aren’t meant to be.”

Everything in her hurt from his words, because they resonated in her heart. His other hand found hers, their fingersintertwining as he pulled her to her feet. She rose, facing his perfect features.

His eyes drank her in, as if she were the most exceptional creation. “Many years ago, someone told me that great love comes first, and real love comes after,” Callan said. “Back then, I dismissed it. But now… I’m not so sure.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I thought they were one and the same.”

“Great love scatters you into pieces; real love brings you together. And you’re not meant to be alone, Amelia.”

She wasn’t meant to live, either.

He moved closer to her and lightly touched the corner of her mouth with his lips. It was so quick that, for a moment, Amelia wondered if she’d imagined it.

She hadn’t. The touch had passed, but the imprint of his kiss lingered, warming the spot. Like a hint. Like a promise.

He took her hand and kissed it. “If you don’t want to be alone, I’ll be in my room all night.” His gaze dropped to her lips. “Until then, my dark heart.”

***

Amelia

The still face of the pocket watch rested next to her head. The necklace was as cold as ice against her neck.

If someone had told her she would have only one day left to live, but would choose to spend her final moments with two objects, she would not have believed it.

And yet, here she was.

She was tempted to accept Callan’s offer. To tell him the truth about her predetermined fate. And about the necklace. Then, to let him envelop her with the strength and warmth of his body, and share the rest of the night with him.

And who knew? Perhaps he could be the true love who would complete her. Who would save her. The idea was seductive. And just as bitter.

Still, she didn’t want to be alone tonight.

She slipped the watch into the back pocket of her trousers and left the room, heading towards Callan’s, merely a few doors away.My dark heart.Why had he chosen to call her that? It felt strangely fitting.

Albeit…not enough.

Amelia passed his room and went down one floor. Her steps were steady, but her heart raced.

She didn’t knock before entering. The etiquette between them had long since disappeared.

“Amelia?” Mikhail sat at the foot of the bed, fully dressed as if he were about to leave at any moment.

The door clicked shut behind her. Amelia moved forward until she stood in front of him. “You’re rude, stubborn, and arrogant,” she said.

One of his eyebrows shot up. “Did you come here to insult me?”

She pressed a finger to his lips. “And you annoy me so much that I can’t even look at you without wanting to break something. But if this is my last night on Earth, I want to spend it with you.”

His pupils dilated, and golden flames flickered at the edges of his eyes. “You really don’t get it, do you, Amelia?”

Her body stiffened, as if he’d poured cold water all over her. He was rejecting her. She had imagined the physical attraction between them. That kiss in the restaurant had been just another way for him to gain control over her.

She turned to leave to avoid the humiliation of being asked to do so.